Background: Neuroleptic-induced parkinsonism is the most common clinical form of extrapyramidal syndrome induced by drugs. The objective of this research was to characterize its clinical spectrum.
Materials and methods: We collected the results of clinical neurological evaluation of 28 patients with chronic psychosis and parkinsonism, in treatment with parenteral decanoate of flufenacine and other classical antipsychotic drugs. The parkinsonism was confirmed by a specialist in neurology and was completed with the implementation of the motor section of the unified scale for the assessment of Parkinson’s disease (UPDRS).
Results: The mean age was 45.6 years and the relationship male / female 0.86:1. The average time of treatment with decanoate of flufenacine was 5 years and the 60.7% of patients had other neuroleptic associated. The parkinsonism is associated with the triad of bradicinesia, stiffness and tremor. We found no significant asymmetries and the predominant involvement was in the upper limbs. Generally these are mild forms that do not produce severe disability.
Conclusions: The drug-induced parkinsonism is different from Parkinson’s disease for more bilateral involvement of dominance in the upper limbs. And it can coexist with others extrapyramidal manifestations.
